Known as the largest joint in your body, the knee connects the tibia in the lower leg to the femur in the thigh. It plays a crucial role in your ability to move, enabling you to run, walk, jump, and move your legs around. Unfortunately, the knee can be susceptible to injury and overuse. Knee pain is one of the most common symptoms when there may be something wrong.
Here are the most common knee conditions if you’re experiencing knee pain:
Osteoarthritis in the Knees
About 30% of adults over the age of 60 struggle with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the knee to break down. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including age, genetics, obesity, and injury.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
The symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee can vary from person to person. Other symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee include:
- Stiffness in the knee, especially in the morning
- Swelling around the knee
- Crepitus (a crackling sound when the knee moves)
- Weakness
- Loss of range of motion
The right treatment will vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the patient’s individual circumstances. Your knee doctor can diagnose and create a treatment plan to manage knee pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Meniscus Tear
The meniscus is a cartilage in the knee joint. This cartilage assists in absorbing shock and distributes weight across the knee joint. Due to the stress on the cartilage from a sudden twist or pivot, a tear to one or both menisci can form. It is a common injury, especially among athletes.
Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear
The most common symptoms of a meniscus tear include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Locking or catching of the knee
- Giving way of the knee
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on the knee
Fortunately, most people with a meniscus tear make a full recovery with treatment. However, in some cases, the tear may recur or the knee may develop arthritis.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the primary knee ligaments. The ACL is found in the center of the knee joint and helps to stabilize the knee by preventing it from moving too far forward or backward. An ACL tear is a common injury that many athletes dread experiencing. Tearing an ACL can be painful and greatly limiting in your ability to move.
Symptoms of an ACL Tear
The most common symptoms of an ACL tear are:
- Severe pain, especially when bending or twisting the knee
- Swelling
- Locking or catching of the knee
- Giving way of the knee
- Decreased range of motion
Most people with an ACL tear make a full recovery with treatment. In some cases, people may experience persistent pain or instability in the knee.
How Can a Knee Doctor Help You?
If you’re experiencing knee pain, it is wise to see a knee doctor. Knee doctors, also known as orthopedic surgeons, are experts in diagnosing and treating knee conditions. Their expertise can help diagnose the root cause of your pain and develop an individualized treatment plan to make your knee better as soon as possible.
Diagnosing Knee Pain
Knee doctors can diagnose the cause of your knee pain by asking you questions about your lifestyle, symptoms, and any incident that triggered the symptoms (such as a sports accident), doing a physical examination, and exploring your medical history. In some cases, they may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, to help diagnose the condition. These tests can provide images of the bones, ligaments, and cartilage in the knee, so the doctor can pinpoint where the problem exists.
Treatment
A knee doctor can create a treatment plan that is right for you based on the cause of your pain. The treatment plan may include non-surgical options, such as rest, ice therapy, compression, and elevation (RICE), physical therapy, or medications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Some surgical options include:
- ACL reconstruction for ACL tears
- Meniscus repair or removal for meniscus tears
- Total knee replacement surgery
- Knee fusion surgery
Recovery can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months, depending on the condition. However, most people make a full recovery with a customized treatment plan.
Knee Doctor Near Boynton Beach, FL
Knee pain is no joke. It can be indicative of a serious condition that can affect your knee and its ability to move freely and without pain. If you are experiencing knee pain, it is important to see a knee doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment. They can get to the root cause of your symptoms and create a personalized plan to manage and treat your condition.
Experiencing knee pain? Our certified team of knee doctors at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches are here to help you through expert diagnosis and individualized orthopedic care. We are dedicated to providing treatment that fits your needs, so you can live a more comfortable, active life. To schedule a visit, call our office, or use our online appointment form. Come find us at our location near Boynton Beach, Florida!
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. For advice about your condition, talk with your physician. Request an appointment with our team.
